American Exceptualism Rudy
Giuliani was espousing his opinion to Fox News that Barack Obama did not
love America and didn’t brag enough about “American Exceptionalism.”

Fur Is Not Chic When my 25-pound
dog stepped in a toothed steel leg hold trap a few ft off the trail, I
learned how “unchic” fur is. I had to carry her out two miles to get to a
vet.

Which Is More Dangerous? Just
a couple of thoughts I had in response to the letters by Gordon Lee
Dean and Jarin Weber in the Feb. 23 issue. Mr. Dean claims that there
have been zero deaths from the measles in the past ten years.

Real Action on Climate In
“Climate Madness” in the Feb. 9 issue, the writer points out that
scientists are all but unanimous and that large numbers of people agree:
global warming poses a threat to future generations.

Real Science Wolfgang
Pauli, the Nobel Prize winning Austrian-born theoretical physicist, was
known not only for his work in postulating the existence of the
neutrino but feared for his razor-edged humor.

Casting Away

In celebration of this passion, the Federation of Fly Fishers Great Lakes Council is hosting a three-day school and fair, held in Roscommon at the R.A. MacMullan Conference Center.

Beyond the basics, the fair is diving deep into casting how-tos, fly tying, and a special streamside workshop that breaks down the prizewinning Czech nymphing technique.

“Michigan is full of fly fishers,” said Colleen Jenkins, an FFF Great Lakes Council executive board member. “We come from all over the state just to fish for trout in Northern Michigan.”

Now in its 22nd year, the group’s annual fly fishing school and fair is one of its biggest events, luring seasoned and fresh anglers alike.

CASTING

Both beginning and experienced fly fishermen – and women – are invited to participate in workshops on casting techniques – including a speycasting workshop, warm water fly fishing, casting for trout, smallmouth bass and more.

On Saturday from 7:45am-3pm, the Fly girls will host a beginning fly fishing school; preregistration is required.

An introductory speycasting (two-handed) workshop will also be held Saturday afternoon. Rods will be provided or participants may bring their own.

TYING FLIES

Workshops on fly tying will cover several flies and topics. Some fly tying knowledge is encouraged; participants should bring their own tools and materials. Observers are welcome.

A special Saturday afternoon session focuses on the thrill of fly fishing for carp, followed by a tying session including the copperhead, Pete’s craw, and carp hex patterns.

WORKSHOPS ON THE WATER

On Saturday morning, there are two streamside workshops on the Au Sable: The nymph fishing workshop for beginner and intermediate fly fishers; and a specialized workshop focusing on the Czech nymphing technique.

In the last several years, the Czechs have taken international fly fishing championships by storm. Their technique is simple yet highly effective and this workshop will be hands-on teaching and demonstration of the Czech technique.

License, waders and sunglasses are required for both.

For more on the Federation of Fly Fishers and its fair, visit the Great Lakes Council’s website at fffglctesting.com. Further questions can be directed to Jim Schramm at (231) 869-5487 or jdschramm@oceana.net.

Michigan Fishing on the Fly

•
According to the state’s Department of Natural Resources, Michigan has
more than 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. Of these, 12,000 miles are
cold, quality trout streams.

•
Michigan is regarded as an international fly fishing destination thanks
to its healthy wild trout populations, insects, streams, and water
quality.

• Fishing licenses can be purchased online at mdnr-elicense.com or in most sporting goods stores.

•
Comprehensive information on fly fishing in Michigan can be found on
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ website at
michigan.gov/dnr.